Arturo Vidal for Michael Carrick

As Ander Herrera is already through the door at Old Trafford, United’s midfield upgrade appears to be in full swing. With the Spaniard set to provide the flair and guile needed, Carrick could well be surplus to requirements. Arturo Vidal is the man said to be at the top of van Gaal’s wish list to follow the Spaniard on the back of his wonderful displays for Juventus and Chile.

The midfield colossus is valued at around £50m by his current employers, who – for reasons we cannot comprehend – may take Nani as part of a potential deal.